Bags Might Fly Free On Southwest, But Your Pet Will Cost You An Additional $20

For several years, Southwest has charged one of the lowest fees ($75) for passengers flying with a carry-on pet. But starting in January, that price will be going up to be more in line with the fees charged by Southwest’s competitors.

According to the airline’s site, travelers departing on or after Jan. 15, 2014 will incur a $95 fee (one-way) for carry-on pets.

Since this is a fee that is paid at the time of check-in, it looks like even those who made reservations before the price change went into effect will face the higher fee.

Even at $95, Southwest is still the least-expensive airline for flying with pets in the cabin (it does not accept checked pets in the cargo hold), but it is closer to what other airlines currently charge.

JetBlue and Spirit each charge $100, while United, US Airways, Delta, and American all charge $125 for carry-on pets.